Last week, a teacher told us something that might sound familiar:
“I walked in ready. My lesson was solid. But within ten minutes, I was managing side comments, off-task chatter, and blank stares. I wasn’t losing control, but I definitely wasn’t leading.”
That experience is more common than we think. A class can shift from focused to fragmented, even when everything seems in place. And when that happens, it doesn’t mean you’ve lost your touch—it means the classroom needs a reset.
Not a complete overhaul, just a return to what holds everything together: Routines, Relationships, and Respect.
These three core elements often overlooked when things get busy, are what give a classroom its rhythm, trust, and balance. When they’re strong, you spend less time managing and more time teaching.
When routines are clear and consistent, students know what to expect—and what’s expected of them. It reduces confusion, saves time, and lowers misbehaviour.
Try this:
Quick Fix: Walk the class through your entry routine. Model it once, practice it together, and watch the tone shift.
Students are more likely to stay engaged and follow expectations when they feel seen, heard and valued.
Try this:
Quick Fix: In your class tomorrow, highlight a student who is doing well and appreciate them. A little connection can shift a lot of behaviour.
Respect isn’t built through authority alone. It grows when expectations are clear and follow-through is steady.
Try this:
Quick Fix: Ask your class what respect looks like to them. Create a shared list and display it in the room.